Access Key

Note:This thesis is part of a research project
submitted in partial fulfillment of the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts in the School of
Music. The project also involved the preparation and performance of a recital of music
related to the thesis topic.

This project examines Pascal Dusapin’s musical essence through his stylistic periods. The
composer’s early music (late 1970s to 80s) is characterized by microtonality; an intermediate
period (1988-90) presents a transformation into restrained pitch material; the second period
(1990s) combines these two techniques with archaic modality. Lastly, the third period (from
2000 to the present) combines musical features from second period with a more lyrical and
chromatic character. This essay discusses musical expression, pitch, instrumental techniques, and
the influence of Samuel Beckett’s visual work Quad I and II on the composer’s concerto for
violin and chamber orchestra, Quad (composed 1996).

Issue Date:

2016

Publisher:

University of Illinois

Citation Info:

Jang, Daehoon. Pascal Dusapin’s Musical Language and Influences Reflecting on Quad for Violin and Chamber Orchestra (1996). Doctoral Project thesis submitted at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Music, 2016.